Behold — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /bi-ˈhōld/ be·hold

Meaning & Definition of Behold

Behold (verb)

  1. to perceive through sight or apprehension, see
  2. to gaze upon, observe
  3. —used in the imperative especially to call attention

Behold (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to have a clear idea of

    "to anyone who beholds the immense complexity of life on earth"

    similar: appreciate, apprehend, assimilate, catch, catch on (to), cognize, compass, comprehend, conceive, cotton (to or on to), decipher, decode, dig, discern, get, grasp, grok, intuit, know, make, make out, perceive, recognize, register, savvy, see, seize, sense, tumble (to), twig, understand, pick up on
    related: absorb, digest, take in, realize, fathom, penetrate, pierce
    opposite: miss
    near: misapprehend, misconceive, misconstrue, misinterpret, misperceive, misread, mistake, misunderstand

  2. to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes

    "I opened the window blinds and beheld snow everywhere"

    similar: catch, descry, discern, distinguish, espy, eye, look (at), note, notice, observe, perceive, regard, remark, see, sight, spot, spy, view, witness, get a load of (slang), lay eyes on, set eyes on
    related: identify, make out, pick out, pick up, attend (to), consider, heed, mark, mind, study, watch, examine, inspect, scan, scrutinize, survey, glance (at), glimpse, peer (at)
    near: disregard, ignore, neglect, overpass, pass over, miss, overlook

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Behold

The most common words with a similar meaning to Behold:

Slang: get a load of
appreciate, apprehend, assimilate, catch, catch on (to), cognize, compass, comprehend, conceive, cotton (to or on to), decipher, decode, dig, discern, get, grasp, grok, intuit, know, make, make out, perceive, recognize, register, savvy, see, seize, sense, tumble (to), twig, understand, descry, distinguish, espy, eye, look (at), note, notice, observe, regard

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Behold

Words with the opposite meaning of Behold:

miss

Related Words for Behold

absorb, digest, take in, realize, fathom, penetrate, pierce, identify, pick out, pick up, attend (to), consider, heed, mark, mind, study, watch, examine, inspect, scan, scrutinize, survey, glance (at), glimpse, peer (at)

Near Antonyms of Behold

misapprehend, misconceive, misconstrue, misinterpret, misperceive, misread, mistake, misunderstand, disregard, ignore, neglect, overpass, pass over, overlook

Word Forms of Behold

Inflections: beheld, beholding

Derived words: beholder (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Behold

Middle English, to keep, behold, from Old English behealdan, from be- + healdan to hold

First known use: before 12th centuryt

Words & Phrases Containing Behold

lo and behold, a sight/wonder to behold, a sight to see/behold

Frequently Asked Questions about Behold

What does "Behold" mean?

"Behold" means to perceive through sight or apprehension, see. As a verb, it is defined as: to perceive through sight or apprehension, see. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Behold"?

Other words for "Behold" include appreciate, apprehend, assimilate, catch, catch on (to), cognize, compass and comprehend. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Behold" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Behold"?

There are 75 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Behold". Common alternatives include appreciate, apprehend, assimilate, catch, catch on (to), cognize, compass, comprehend, conceive and cotton (to or on to).

What is the opposite of "Behold"?

Antonyms of "Behold" include miss. Near antonyms include misapprehend, misconceive, misconstrue and misinterpret.

How do you use "Behold" in a sentence?

Examples of "Behold" in a sentence: "to anyone who beholds the immense complexity of life on earth"; "I opened the window blinds and beheld snow everywhere".

Is "Behold" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Behold" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Behold"?

"Behold" is pronounced /bi-ˈhōld/ and divided into syllables as be·hold.

What is the origin of the word "Behold"?

"Behold" comes from Middle English, to keep, behold, from Old English behealdan, from be- + healdan to hold. First known use: before 12th centuryt.